POSTGRADUATE STUDY
A guide to postgraduate study Introduction This factsheet contains information to assist you to consider further and postgraduate study options. If you need to discuss your options you can see a Careers Advisor for a one to one guidance appointment.
Why Study? You should think about the following points when considering further study: Why do I want to continue onto further study? n I have a passion for an academic subject n I enjoy a certain aspect of my course which I wish to pursue n I want to study something completely different n I need a professional qualification for my chosen career n I need a qualification to be able to get onto a professional training course
Researching courses Questions to ask n Does this course fulfil the requirements of why I am taking the course? n What additional skills, experience and knowledge will I gain? n How will this help me gain entry into my chosen field? n Is the course professionally recognised or accredited? n What are the entry requirements? n What does the course involve? n Is the course cost effective Finding answers n Read course prospectuses and websites n Ring Admissions departments for further information n View professional organisations website to see if there are industry accredited courses available
When to apply Deadlines vary depending on each individual course and institution and applications are usually made directly to the institution. You would normally apply for a postgraduate course at the beginning of your final year; however some courses may have places left in September. Most taught courses operate a first come first serve basis so if you want to study a particular course you should apply as soon as possible. If you miss the autumn intake for a course it can be worth checking to see if they have a January intake. If you are concerned about how you are going to pay for the course, you can still apply, as even if you are accepted onto a course you are often able to defer your place due to financial reasons.